Fort Wayne Jury Finds Raphael Helton Guilty of Murder
A jury convicted the 65-year-old of the 2015 killing of Michael J. Fedock.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Eldercare
Raphael Helton, 65, was found guilty of murdering 67-year-old Michael J. Fedock after a trial in Fort Wayne. The verdict concludes a case involving a decade-old homicide discovered during a welfare check.
Why it matters
The conviction brings legal resolution to a 2015 murder case where the victim was found concealed in a bedroom closet. DNA evidence and audio recordings served as pivotal components in securing the jury verdict.
A jury found Raphael Helton guilty of murder, with sentencing scheduled for November 30. Helton now faces a maximum potential prison sentence of 65 years.
The players
Raphael Helton
He is the 65-year-old defendant who was found guilty of murdering Michael J. Fedock.
Michael J. Fedock
He was a 67-year-old victim who was found deceased inside a closet in 2015.
The details
Authorities discovered the body of Michael J. Fedock after an officer performing a welfare check on Helton's wife noticed a smell emanating from a bedroom. Investigators linked the crime to Helton through DNA found on duct tape and a recorded phone call in which the defendant stated he had to take care of the victim.
Timeline
The murder of Michael J. Fedock occurred in 2015.
Charges were filed against Raphael Helton in August 2025.
The jury delivered the guilty verdict on October 29, 2026.
The sentencing hearing for Raphael Helton is set for November 30, 2026.
Legal Context
The guilty verdict represents the final legal resolution regarding the 2015 murder of Michael J. Fedock. It follows a significant gap in time between the initial crime and the filing of charges in 2025.
The conclusion of this trial provides closure to a long-standing investigation that originated from a routine welfare check. Residents may note the importance of such checks in identifying serious criminal activity that would otherwise remain hidden.
The takeaway
This case underscores the role of forensic evidence like DNA in resolving cold cases long after an initial incident occurs. It also highlights the critical importance of welfare checks by law enforcement in uncovering potential crimes within private residences.
What happens next
The court has scheduled the formal sentencing hearing for Raphael Helton for November 30, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local Eldercare resources and safety reporting in the area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NewsChannel 15 WANE-TV Fort Wayne.
